The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Aowin, Mr. Stephen Morcher, has dismissed reports circulating in the media about two missing excavators and a dozer that were seized from illegal miners and kept at the Aowin Municipal Assembly premises.
Recent publications by some mainstream and social media platforms alleged that the machines, which had been confiscated from illegal mining sites within forest reserves in the municipality, had mysteriously disappeared. The reports also suggested that the MCE had released the equipment to unknown individuals.
However, Mr. Morcher has strongly refuted the allegations, describing them as misleading and unfounded.
Speaking to Onua News on December 19, 2025, he explained that the machines were never missing. According to him, the municipal management decided to temporarily use the seized excavators and dozer to support development projects that benefit the people of Aowin.
He noted that the assembly is currently drilling mechanized boreholes for 27 communities across the municipality. Some of these communities have deplorable road networks, making it difficult for vehicles and project equipment to reach the sites.
To address this challenge, management decided to use the seized machines to reshape roads leading to those areas to ensure smooth access for the borehole project.
Mr. Morcher further explained that the assembly’s own equipment, particularly the grader used for reshaping roads, had developed a major fault. The Ministry of Local Government has already contracted a company to handle the repairs, but work has not yet commenced. In the meantime, he said, the seized excavators and dozer were used responsibly to keep development projects ongoing.
He emphasized that the decision to deploy the machines was communicated to the Western North Regional Minister, Mr. Wilbert Petty Brentu, before they were moved. The MCE confirmed that after the completion of the work, the excavators and dozer were returned safely to the assembly premises.
Mr. Morcher expressed disappointment in the Enchi Forest District of the Forestry Commission for allegedly circulating their letter demanding clarification about the whereabouts of the machines on social media before formally delivering it to his office.
He assured the people of Aowin that he remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the development of the municipality, stating that he would never engage in any act that would tarnish his reputation or undermine public trust.
Onua News can confirm that as of 10:00 p.m. on December 19, 2025, all two excavators and the dozer had been returned to the Aowin Municipal Assembly premises, contrary to earlier reports of their disappearance.
By Emmanuel Sowah
